NOTE: The Human Services major was designed for professionals working in the field of Human Services, and does not require an internship. For this reason, it is suggested that students without paid work experience in the human services fields choose majors in Child, Youth, and Family Studies or Social Work.
Not sure what classes to take in your first term at PSU? Use the guides below for suggestions, and connect with your academic advisor if you need more help. You can also email sipathway@pdx.edu.
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS:
- Full-time is 12 credits. Most courses are 4 credits, so three courses is typically considered full-time. You should also budget 2-3 hours per credit outside of class for homework and studying.
- Consider the times when courses are offered and how they fit in your personal schedule/preferences. If you are not a morning person, you may want to avoid 8 am courses. If you have school-aged children, how does that impact your choices?
- You can earn either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) in Elementary Education. Consider your future goals and whether having a language background will be helpful to you.
First-Year Students:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| UNST 1XX First Year Inquiry or Honors 101 The Global City (5 credits) | UNST 1XX First Year Inquiry or Honors 101 The Global City (5 credits) | These are yearlong sequences, so check out the First Year Inquiry Planning Guide and Honors website for descriptions and bios, and pick a theme that interests you. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | Math 105Z or 211 or STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199 now and 211 next term. |
| PSY 201Z-Intro to Psychology I or PSY 202Z-Intro to Psychology II (4 credits) | PSY 201Z-Intro to Psychology I or PSY 202Z-Intro to Psychology II (4 credits) | These are great classes to take in your first year at PSU. You will also be required to take 1-2 electives this year; don't be afraid to take one! You can choose from this list of introductory classes. |
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 30-89 credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| UNST 2XX Sophomore Inquiry or HON 260 Honors Writing for Sophomore Transfers (4 credits) | UNST 2XX Sophomore Inquiry or HON 260 Honors Writing for Sophomore Transfers (4 credits) | Refer to descriptions on the websites linked and pick a theme that interests you. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | Math 105Z or 211 or STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199 now and 211 next term. |
PSY 201Z-Intro to Psychology I or PSY 202Z-Intro to Psychology II (4 credits) SW 301U-Intro to Social Work (4 credits)1 | PSY 201Z-Intro to Psychology I or PSY 202Z-Intro to Psychology II (4 credits) SW 301U-Intro to Social Work (4 credits)1 | The Human Services major requires Intro to Psychology and Intro to Social Work (or equivalent) be completed before the Junior year. Students who have both of those completed can take electives--anything of interest that PSU offers! |
1If you are transferring credit and this has been satisfied, select either an additional course in the major or a general elective.
Helpful video: How to register for FRINQs & SINQs
Transfers with 90-134 credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
| Upper Division cluster course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | Upper Division cluster course or HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits) | You must take cluster classes outside your major. There are many great cluster options, depending on your interests! |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | Math 105Z or 211 or STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199 now and 211 next term. |
HS 303-Trauma Informed Helping Professional (4 credits) CFS 487-Examining Bias & Belief (4 credits) | HS 303-Trauma Informed Helping Professional (4 credits) CFS 487-Examining Bias & Belief (4 credits) | HS 303 is offered once a year in Fall term, take it this term if at all possible. |
Helpful video: How to search for Cluster courses
Transfers with 135 or more credits:
| For BA degree | For BS degree | Advisor Pro Tips |
|---|
If doing University Honors, take HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits). If not, take a class in the major. | If doing University Honors, take HON 360 Honors Writing (4 credits). If not, take a class in the major. | If you are doing University Studies, you only need a Senior Capstone, but don't take it during your first term. |
| Language course (4-5 credits) | Math 105Z or 211 or STAT 243Z or a science course (4 credits) | Language: Take the course recommended by our Language Placement Advice.
Math: Take the math course recommended by the Math Placement Assessment. If you score below 46 or are not confident in your math, take UNST 199 now and MTH 211 next term. |
HS 303-Trauma Informed Helping Professional (4 credits) CFS 487-Examining Bias & Belief (4 credits) | HS 303-Trauma Informed Helping Professional (4 credits) CFS 487-Examining Bias & Belief (4 credits) | HS 303 is offered once a year in Fall term, take it this term if at all possible. |
We strongly recommend meeting with your academic advisor to create a plan for your degree completion.
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